
AMBBICikN INDEPBNDBNC& 



AND, 



SESS'Sff a ©Jr ®!B^SESWSE)S 




ILLUSTRIOUS 



ADAMS AND JEPPERSON. 





'NEWARK, N, J. 



NEWARK : 

PRINTED ET M. LTOK AND CO. 




tHM, 



AWiEBlCJ^M XNDEPESNDENCB 



AND, 




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ILLUSTRIOUS 



NEWARK, N. J. .,<\^\ 



NEWARK s 

PRINTED £T H. LTON AKP C0> 



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1826. 



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WLEIilHSl^AHTr ARRAiraXiXlIENTS. 



*«9«4 



At a meeting of the citizens of Newark, convened upon 
public notice at Morton's Hotel, the 19th day of May, A. D. 
1826, Luther Goble, Esq. was appointed chairman, and 
Asa Whitehead, Esq. clerk. 

The object of the meeting being particularly explained, it 
was thereupon 

Resolved, That the approaching anniversary, being the 
fiftieth since the declaration of our Independence, be com- 
memorated as a Jubilee, and that a committee of twenty- 
four persons be appointed to make all necessary arrange- 
ments for the celebration — which was appointed accordingly. 

The meeting then adjourned. 

The general committee having subsequently convened at 
Mr. Morton's Hotel, on the 2d of June 1826, Luther Go- 
ble, Esq. was appointed chairman, and Asa Whitehead, 
Esq. secretary — 

On motion, the committee adopted the following plan of 
celebration, to wit : 

1. That a subscription be opened and circulated to raise 
the necessary money to defray the incidental expenses of the 
proposed celebration., and that a committee be appointed 
immediately to circulate the same. 

2. That a Monument be erected to perpetuate this com- 
memoration with its incidents, and that the foundation stone 
thereof, be laid on the ensuing 4th of July, 1826 ; and that a 
committee be appointed to open and circulate a subscription 
for that purpose. 

3. That a census be taken of all the inhabitants of the 
township of Newark ; in which shall be distinguished in 
classes, the sexes, colour and ages ; and especially the num- 
ber of persons who were in the militia or regular service at 
any time during the American revolution ; and also the num- 
ber of persons employed in agriculture — in the different pro- 
fessions, and in merchandize : also the number and kind of 
the different branches of manufactories, with the number of 



persons employed in each, together with the number of day 
labourers : also the number of houses for pubhc worship — 
of dwelling houses, stores and shops. 

4. That a committee be appointed to prepare an inscrip- 
tion to be engraven upon the foundation stone of the monu- 
ment ; also to procure a person to deliver an address upon 
the occasion of laying the same : also a person to dehver an 
address in one of the churches. That immediately after the 
approaching Jubilee, a particular account of the celebration, 
with every interesting incident be published, together with 
the two addresses before mentioned — the subscription for the 
monument, and the names of the persons composing the com- 
mittee appointed to superintend the building of the same. — 
That there be formed in the base of the monument, an apart- 
ment in which shall be deposited, in a leaden casket, an ac- 
count of the proceedings — the original' of the subscription to 
the monument — the originals of the two addresses — the ori- 
ginal census, and a draft of the monument ; which box shall 
be sealed up, and the folio whig injunction engraved thereon : 
— " This casket is not to be opened until the morning of the 
next Jubilee of the Independence of these United States, and 
then only by the chairman of the general committee who 
may be appointed to make arrangements for its celebration, 
in the presence of the members of the said committee." A 
door to the said apartment shall be formed and locked, with 
two keys, one of which shall be deposited in each of the ex- 
isting banks in this town, there to remain until it shall be- 
come necessary to change their places of deposite ; which 
change is intrusted to the then president and directors of the 
respective banks, and who, upon such change, are requested 
to give public notice of the place of deposite. That the apart- 
ment in the monument may be used for deposites of orations 
and accounts of proceedings of any intermediate celebration 
of the anniversary of our Independence — any further census 
or other muniments, which relate to the history of the town 
— its improvements, or any important change in the principles 
or institutions of the government ; but is only to be opened 
on the anniversary of our Independence, by the chairman, 
and in the presence of two or more of the general committee 
of arrangements, for which purpose the keys may be obtain- 
ed from their places of deposite by such chairman only ; and 
to which place he shall return the same before sun-set of the 
§ame day. 

5. That all those persons resident in the present township 
of Newark, who were in actual service at any time during 
pijr revolution, either in the militia or continental army, be 



invited to attend a meeting of the general committee, to (^on- 
t'er with them upon the subject of the arrangements for the 
proposed celebration, and to take a part in the ceremonies of 
laying the foundation stone of the monument, the erecting of 
the temple of confederation, and in the procession which is 
proposed to take place on that day, characterized as men 
of '76. That an allegorical Temple be formed, to be erected 
upon the Military Common on the morning of the 4th, by the 
patriots of '76, and decorated in the afternoon by a band of 
the rising generation ; parts whereof to be in transparency, 
and to be illuminated in the evening, together with a globe 
suspended just beneath the eagle upon the flag-staff, with 
other appropriate illuminations around the military common. 
Rockets and other fire-works to be displayed at different in- 
tervals, and the whole to close with the usual illumination on 
occasions of rejoicing during the revolution, " the tar barrel :' 
of which, thirteen are to be raised in constellations, and each, 
to be lighted up by the discharge of cannon, constituting in 
all, the old salute of thirteen guns. 

The foregoing general outline of a plan of commemora- 
ting the Jubilee, being adopted by the general committee, 
several subordinate committees were appointed to carry the 
several parts assigned to them into effect ; and the commit- 
tee of arrangements were directed to have formed and pub- 
lished, in due season, the order of the proceedings of the day, 
which was accordingly done, and they took place according 
to the plan adopted. 



CELEBRATION, 



The day was ushered in with the usual roar of cannon, 
followed by a concert of horns ; and at sun-rise all the bells 
rang a merry peal. 

At 7 o'clock, the Heroes of the Revolution residing in this 
viicnity, assembled, to the number of about 60, at the corner 
of WilUam and Broad-streets, where they were formed under 
the command of Capt. Obadiah Meeker, a very respectable 
veteran of about 87 years of age. The feelings excited by 
the recollections and associations which were called up by 
this assemblage of the ancient champions of American liber- 
ty, are indescribable — the effect cannot be conceived by any 
one who was not present. One of the company wore his re- 
volutionary uniform complete, including the three cornered 
cocked hat. A great proportion of them had their guns, can- 
teens, cartridge boxes, &.c. and the patriot band marked 
time to the music of the fife and drum, played by the identi- 
cal musicians who had rallied them to the battles of their 
country. From the place of rendezvous, they proceeded with 
13 yoke of oxen, (directed by 13 men of '76, appropri- 
ately equipped, dressed in tow frocks and trowsers, and de- 
corated with blue badges,) to take up the Foundation Stone 
of the Monument to be erected at the south end of the mili- 
tary common, where they deposited it on levers, over the spot 
upon which it was to be laid. The inscription on the stone is 
as follows : 

THE 

CITIZEN'S OF UrUVTATlKj 

IN GRATEFUL COMMEMORATION 

OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 

OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, 

HAVE, ON THIS 4TH DAY OF JULY 

A. D. 1826, DEPOSITED THIS STONE 

AS THE FOUNDATION 

OF A MONUMENTAL MEMORIAL, 

HERE TO BE ERECTED: AND 
WHEN THE DILAPIDATIONS OF 
■ TIME SHALL DISCOVER THIS 
INSCRIPTION TO FUTURE 

GENERATIONS, 

MAY THE LIGHT OF THE 

GOSPEL ILLUMINATE THE 

WHOLE WORLD. 



Having placed the Stone in its proper position, the Re- 
volutionary worthies repaired to the upper end of the Com- 
mon, when 1 3 of their number engaged in the erection of the 
Temple of Confederation, which, as the materials were al^ 
ready prepared at their hands, they speedily eifected. 

At 9 o'clock, the citizens assembled on the Common, to wit- 
ness the ceremony of laying the Foundation Stone of the Monu- 
ment. On this occasion, the Hon. William S. Pennington 
addressed the assembly ; and although we regret that the 
state of his health was such as to prevent him from extend- 
ing his voice so as to be distinctly heard by the whole audi- 
ence, yet we were gratified to find that his language and 
sentiments evinced that he still retains all that vigour of mind 
and ardour of patriotism for which he has been so much dis- 
tinguished. After the address, the Rev. Mr. Hay addressed 
the throne of Grace with a fervent and peculiarly appropri- 
ate prayer. The foundation stone was then laid, and ce- 
mented with due care. 

This ceremony being concluded, the procession was form- 
ed, agreeably to the arrangements of the Committee, in the 
following order : 

1. The Heroes of '76 — with their muskets and other mili- 
tary equipments, bearing two military standards, with mar- 
tial music from their own corps. 

2. The Military — embracing a detachment of Major Bou- 
dinot's Independent Battalion and Capt. Boyden's Company 
of Artillery, with an excellent Band of music. 

3. Tailors — with a standard borne by two men, with ap= 
propriate devices. 

4. Blacksmiths — with two handsome standards, represent- 
ing their different branches of business. Motto on one of 
them, " Vulcan the King of all Trades." 

5. Quarrymen — carrying their tools in their hands, in- 
dicating that it was by the sweat of the brow that they meta- 
morphosed stone into money. 

6. Stone-cutters and Masons — with a standard represent- 
ing a brick house partly built, and workmen busily engaged 
in its erection. The standard borne conjointly by a Master 
Stone-Cutter arid Mason. 

7. Carpenters — ^bearing a neat standard representing hous- 
es in diflferent stages of erection. 

8. Curriers — ^bearing a beautiful standard, with appropriate 
devices. Motto, " By union we arise to splendour." 

9. Ladies' Shoe and Mens' Pump-makers' Benevolent So- 
ciety—a very numerous company, with a handsome standard. 



Motto, "May the manufactures of the Sons of Crispin be 
trod upon by all the world." 

1 0. Coach-makers — bearing two elegant standards. Mot- 
to, Surget Post Nuhila Phcsbus." 

11. Cabinet-makers and Upholsterers. — The first bearing a 
platform on which was a Chair, claw Tea Table, &c. in mi- 
niature. The latter, a Beastead, Bed and Bedding, also in 
miniature, elegantly dressed. 

12. Chair-makers — bearing a neat standard representing 
the trade. Motto, " Rest to the weary." 

13. Saddle-tree Makers, Saddlers, Harness and Trunk- 
makers — each branch handsomely represented, making a 
conspicuous part of the procession. Two white horses in rich 
plated Harness were led—two others, one having on a Lady's 
Saddle, and the other a Gentleman's Saddle, with mihtary 
holsters, were in appropriate stations, as well as a wooden 
horse richly accoutred, borne by four young men. 

14. Painters — bearing a large elegant standard, ingenious- 
ly designed, and neatly executed. 

15. Hon. Wm. S. Pennington, supported by Col James 
Hedden, Col. Thomas Ward, Jesse Baldwin, Esq. and Aaron 
Munn, Esq* committee. 

16. Bearers of the Cap of Liberty and Standard. 

17. Orator of the day, and Reader of the Declaration of 
Independence, 

18. Clergy, and Civil Authorities. 

1 9. Committee of Arrangements, and Citizens. 

The procession being thus formed, proceeded around the 
Military Common to the Upper Common, and around the same 
to Washington-street, down Washington-street to Market- 
street, through Market-street to Mulberry-street, down Mul- 
berry- street to Walnut-street, through Walnut-street to Broad' 
street, and up Broad-street to the first Presbyterian Church. 
On arriving at the Church the procession halted. The He- 
roes of Seventy-Six first entered. The residue of the pro- 
cession then opened to the right and left, and entered the 
Church in reversed order. 

The procession was very splendid. The banners, badges, 
and various implements displayed by the different professions 
shewed much taste. 

The church was filled to overflowing, insomuch that the 
Military, who stood guard at the door, were unable to obtain 
seats, and were obliged to retire from the house. 



The exercises in the Church were as follows : 

1 . Prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Hamilton ; 

2. Ode, by the Choir ; 

3. Declaration of Independence, read by James Vail- 

derpool; Esq. 

4. Ode, by the Choir ; 

5. Oration by Wm. Halsey, Esq. 

6. Ode, by the Ohoir ; 

7. Benediction. 

A Federal salute was fired at 1 o'clock, P. M. 

In the afternoon, the Ladies and Gentlemen belonging to 
the choir performed several pieces of music in the temple, on 
the Common. The Ladies previously decorated the temple 
with a profusion of flowers which they had carried with them. 

The day concluded with a briUiant illumination of the tem- 
ple, the flag staff", and the trees surrounding the Common, 
and with a fine display of Fire-works. The Quarry was at 
the same time illuminated by the burning of 1 3 tar barrels. 



JULY 4th, 1826.' 
bEAR SIR, 

The Committee of Arrangements, in behalf of themselves and the citi- 
zens of Newark, present their compliments, with their thanks, to the Honorable 
WiLLiAiyi S. 'Bennington, for his able and interesting Address, delivered this 
morning at the laying of the Foundation Stone of a monument, to be erected, to 
perpetuate the remembrance of our first national Jubilee, and respectfully 
request that the same may be furnished to the Committee for publication. 
By unanimous order of the Committee. 

ASA WHITEHEAD, Sec'ry. 
The Hon. Wm. S. Pennington. 



To the Comntittee of Arrangements of the Town of Newark. , 
Gentlemen — 

Your letter of yesterday was duly received. It cannot be supposed that 
any objection could arise to the publication of an Address, publicly deliver- 
ed : the only reluctance in my mind to the measure, grows out of an appre- 
hension, that the Gentlemen of the Committee have overrated the merit of the 
performance ; and that, as I lived in those eventful times, and was actually in 
arms on the day the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, more may 
be expected from me than will be realized. 

The copy asked for will accompany this answer ; and the Committee have 
my permission to make such use of it as they may think proper. 

You will be pleased to accept my acknowledgment and thanks for your po- 
lite letter on this occasion. 

I am, with great respect. Gentlemen, 

Your humble servant, 

WILLIAM S. PENNINGTON 
N&wark, 5th July, 1Q26, 



A3>X>R£:SS. 



In obedience to the call of my fellow-citizens, it has be-, 
eome my duty to. aid in laying the foundation stone of a 
monument, intended to perpetuate the memory of an event, 
glorious to our country, honorable to those who achieved 
it, and worthy the adniiration of the friends of freedom in 
every region of the world. 

I need not remind you, fellow-citizens, that this event is 
the emancipation of America from British thraldom. No 
one in this assembly is ignorant of the cause which brought 
us hither ; nor, that fifty years ago this day, was the turn- 
ing point of our political happiness or misery. In addi- 
tion to what will be said in another place, a short address 
is required of me at this time, which will be confined to a 
concise relation of histoHcal facts, forming the ground work 
of this day's gratitude, triumph and commemoration. 

The controversy between America and England, arose 
from the cupidity and tyranical temper of the British Ca- 
binet. Taking their lessons of policy from the despotic 
colonial government of Spain, the British ministry sought 
to subjugate America to their absolute will. Not satisfied 
with monopolizing the whole trade of the Colonies, and 
pouring the industry of our country into the lap of Great 
Britain, their next measure was an attempt to raise an 
internal revenue in America ; the shallow pretence for 
which, was to reimburse the nation for the expenses of 
the French war, which terminated by the treaty of 1763. 
So utterly groundless was this pretext, that the Parhament 
of Great Britain had, a short time before, voted large 
sums to reimburse the Colonies for advances made by 
them beyond their proportions in this same war. Compel- 
led, by the intrepid stand taken by the Colonies, to aban- 



12 

don an odious stamp act, yet not relinquishing their schemes 
of subjugation, this ungracious measure was followed by a 
declaration of the King, Lords and Commons of England, 
That the Parliament of Great Britain had a right to make 
laws, binding on America in all cases whatsoever. Thus 
opening a gulf, ready at all times, to swallow up all our 
rights, and all our property, and to chain us, hands and 
feet, and lay us prostrate at the footstool of a corrupt par- 
liament, a profligate ministry, and a perverse, obstinate 
king. An attempt to carry this detestable declaration into 
effect, caused resistance, and led to the event which we 
this day commemorate. 

America, comparatively weak in number, undisciplined 
in war, and almost destitute of military resources, combin- 
ing the virtues of Greece and Rome, a love of country, and 
an abhorrence of slavery, met in the field an army of fifty 
thousand disciplined veterans, associated with innumera- 
ble hordes of savage allies, well armed and furnished with 
every necessary munition of war, accustomed to cruel and 
barbarous warfare, operating on our northern and west- 
ern frontiers ; add to this a coloured population of the 
southern colonies, seduced into a servile war by the em- 
missaries of Britain. 

Could ?iny one view for a moment the dark and porten- 
tious cloud at that time hanging over our beloved country, 
without perceiving, at a single glance, the diflSculties and 
dangers that beset us? This confederate band, so congen- 
ially associated, of Negro slaves, Indian savages, German 
hirelings, and vindictive Scots and Britons, threatened not 
only the destruction of the liberties of America, but the 
.annihilation of the American name. Amidst all the com- 
plicated dangers that threatened our country, the immor- 
tal Congress of 1776, with a magnanimity worthy of a Ro- 
man Senate, or a Grecian Amphyctionic Council, set at 
defiance this formidable host, and solemnly declared Ame~ 
rica free and independent. A war, seldom paralleled in 
barbarism and atrocity, had preceded and now followed, 
"With redoubled vengeance, this virtuous declaration of the 



13 

sages of America. In this struggle, on the part of the ene= 
my, the laws of civilized warfare were forgotten ; desola- 
tion attended their footsteps ; om* habitations and proper- 
ty wantonly destroyed ; ' freemen taken in arms, or even 
by their peaceable fire-sides deliberately murdered; wo- 
men and children butchered in cold blood ; the altars of 
our God profaned ; the ashes of conflagrated temples cast 
to the wind, and matrons and virgins given up victims to 
the lust and brutahty of a profligate and abandoned sol- 
diery. 

But I find it time to pause, lest my feehngs should so far 
transcend the boundaries of christian charity, as to excite 
me to invoke the vengeance of heaven on a guilty nation ; 
and therefore close a description of these tragic scenes 
with this single observation ; that, had America failed in the 
conflict, all her feelings and energies would have been lost 
in the humiliating event, and the sole consolation left her. 
would have been a degrading sympathetic fraternization, 
with the boors of Russia, the Greeks of Asia Minor, or the 
Lazaroni of Naples. 

Thanks to a divine over-ruling Providence, by which 
we were led through the sea of our difficulties and the wil- 
derness of our afl[liction, to the consummation of our Inde- 
pendence. With grateful hearts we can say, in the lan- 
guage of oriental eloquence, that a cloud by day and a 
pillar of fire by night, guided our footsteps to a land des- 
tined by heaven for the protection of the innocent, and the 
asylum of the oppressed, where we now enjoy, by the bless- 
ing of heaven, the reward of all our patriotism and all our 
valour. 

Let us now proceed to the pleasing duty of laying this 
foundation stone of a monument intended to commemo- 
rate our sufferings and our triumph. May recorded ho- 
nors thicken around its base, and unfading glory hover 
over its summit; and may that God who so graciously 
carried us through the dangers and perils which we this 
day commemorate, protect it from injury, and with it, the 
prosperity, independence and liberties of our country. 



The General Committee of Arrangements, in behalf of the citizens of New- 
ark, present their compliments with their thanks to WrLLiAM Halsey, Esq. 
for his address delivered to them this day, and request that the same may be 
furnished to the committee for publication. 

By unanimous order of the Committee. 

L. GOBLE, Chairman. 
A. Whitehead, Secretary. 
July 4, 1826. 



The Address requested by the General Committee of Arrang^ements, u 
furnished for publication. The wishes of so respectable a number of my fellow- 
citizens only, could have induced my assent to a measure, opposed by my own 
judgment and feelings. Knowing, as the General Committee of Arrangements 
do, the variety of professional and other engagements which occupied me du- 
ring the time allowed me for this performance, they will, I trust, be my apolo- 
gists for its imperfections 

I am, gentlemen. 

Very respectfully, 
Yours, &c. 

Wm. halsey. 

The General Committee 

OF Arrangements. 
July lih, 1826. 



Friends and Fellow-citizens — ■ 

When the votaries of Liberty in the old world became 
cold and listless ; when the temples which they had dedica- 
ted to her were falling to decay ; when the sacred fire was 
almost extinguished, and a pure incense no longer smoked 
upon their altars ; when despotism had usurped her high 
places, then it was that Liberty took her flight in search of a 
new abode. As she soared, she extended her view towards 
this hemisphere and descried, as it seemed, an extensive wil- 
derness stretching along the horizon; but unpropitious as 
was the prospect, she continued her course, until she saw it 
was the abode of civilized man. Here a rude cottage smok- 
ed amidst the woods — there a more extensive cultivation 
surrounded a more comfortable dwelling — here a scattered 
village enlivened the landscape — there an infant city broke 
upon her view. As she approached its confines, she heard 
the clanking of chains ; she saw a young but hardy race 
struggling with Despotism, who was endeavouring more firm- 
ly to rivet their fetters ; she hovered over them and irradia- 
ted the gloom which surrounded them ; they raised towards 
her an anxious supplicating look ; she breathed upon them, 
whilst Tyranny stood aghast and trembled. A new principle 
is infused into their souls — a noble enthusiasm animates every 
breast — each arm is doubly nerved — they rise in their 
strength, and with one mighty effort burst their chains. Re- 
covering from their confusion they saw Liberty standing on 
a rock, and heard her proclaim — " here will I rest ; this shall 
be my country and these my sons." They prostrate them- 
selves before her in grateful adoration ; then rising, unite, 



16 

erect and dedicate to her a magnificent temple : it is based 
upon equality, it is sustained by the main pillars of justice 
and equal rights — it is covered with the Constitution and the 
Laws — and adorned with the rarest civil and religious pri- 
vileges, and from its altar a pure and fragrant incense per- 
petually ascends. 

Fellow-citizens — We are this day in that temple — sur- 
rounding that altar, accompanied by ten millions of free-men. 
As the votaries of liberty, let us approach that altar, bearing 
with us the incense of gratitude ; let us quicken the sacred 
flame — let us pour upon its fire the oil of our joy, and may it 
ascend as a sweet smelling savor. 

Long anterior to the event we this day commemorate, the 
ancient republics had passed away, and those of modern times 
existed but in name. The equality of man was lost in pri- 
vileged orders and hereditary distinctions, and his rights 
made dependant upon the will of his sovereign. It had be- 
come a regal maxim that the people were incapable of self 
government, and kings claimed to rule by right divine. The 
conscience of man was fettered by ecclesiastical tyranny — 
civil liberty was expelled from among the nations, and Des- 
potism swayed his iron sceptre over the old world. 

Our forefathers, urged by a relentless persecution, the off- 
spring of bigotry and intolerance, left their native country 
for a strange land, and became co-tenants with the beasts of 
the forest and the savage tribes of the wilderness. The 
love of liberty, whose first impulse was felt in the old world, 
gained strength from its partial enjoyment in the new, and 
the weight of oppression became more insupportable in con- 
sequence of at emporary relief from it. The institutions which 
they received with the charters of the territory they possess- 
ed, had secured to them rights independent of the govern- 
ment to which they had been subject, in the exercise of which, 
they obtained a foretaste of that independence to which 
they were destined. But the period had now arrived, when 
power, forgetting right and a sense of justice, yielding to a 
shameless cupidity, a system of measures was adopted by the 



17 

>» .... 

mother country towards the colonies, unjust in its concep- 
tion, arbitrary in its exercise, and wholly inconsistent with 
their chartered rights. Remonstrance and humble suppli- 
cation were ineffectual to the removal of their grievances,, 
and every manifestation of firmness on the part of the colo- 
nists induced measures in the parliament to awe them into 
submission ; but instead of intimidating, these served only 
to unite them more firmly in opinion and conduct, and ulti- 
mately in the determination to oppose, at every ha'zard, the 
wanton and oppressive violation of their rights. " And at 
Lexington was opened the first scene of that great drama, 
which, in its progress, exhibited the most illustrious characters 
and events, and closed with a revolution equally glorious for 
the actors and important in its consequences to mankind." 

Two hundred and eighty-four years succeeding the disco- 
very of America by Columbus, one hundred and sixty-six 
years after the first effectual settlement in Virginia, and one 
hundred and fifty-six, succeeding the first establishment at 
Plymouth, in Massachusetts, on the 4th day of July 1776, 
the fftieth anniversary of which we this day commemorate, 
the Congress of the then United Colonies severed the ties 
which connected them with Great Britain, and proclaimed 
to the world the Independence of these United States. To 
the patriotism, love of liberty and independence, and deter- 
mined fortitude of Mr. Richard Henry Lee, upon whose mo- 
tion, seconded by Mr. John Adams, it was resolved, that 
" The United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free 
and independent states, and that all political connection be- 
tween them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to 
be totally dissolved", — to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. John Adams, 
Mr. Franklin, Mr. Sherman and Mr. Livingston, the commit- 
tee who prepared and reported the declaration of Indepen- 
dence,~to Mr. Jefferson, who drafted it, to these and the 
other patriots and statesmen who subscribed it, are we in- 
debted for the consummation of that glorious and eventful 
measure, which resulted in our Independence. 

Fellozo-Citizcns — Look back through the avenue of years, 
at one extreme of which we are this day assembled, and be- 



18 

hold at the other, the representatives of the then United Co- 
lonies of America, dehberating upon their own and their 
country's fate. See Destiny, as it were, holding up to their 
view the alternatives which must be consequent on their de- 
termination — " Liberty or Death." See with what steady 
eye and unchanging countenance they read as if written up- 
on the wall, " Liberty or Death." With what firm step and 
determined mien, each in turn approaches that table where 
lies, unrolled, the assertion of their rights, the recital of their 
wrongs, and the declaration of their Independence. In one 
hand, as it were, is life — in the other, fortune, presented not 
only as pledges of their sincerity, but as an offering upon the 
altar of their country. The hand is deliberately extended — 
the pen is firmly clasped, and, as if with iron nerve, directed 
in its task, subscribes the immortal DEED. — 'Tis done ! and 
firmness, softened by complacency, still marks every counte- 
nance. The army is now assembled who are to sustain this 
ever memorable deed. See that majestic form moving along 
ihe line, with mingled emotions of commisseration and pa- 
triotism, viewing this half clad, half famished, inexperienced 
little band — hear him endeavouring to infuse into their breasts 
the feelings of his own soul. — " Countrymen and Felloxo-Sol- 
diers — The time is now at hand which must determine whe- 
ther Americans are to be freemen or slaves ; whether they 
shall longer have any property which they can call their own, 
or whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and des- 
troyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness 
from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of 
unborn millions depends upon your courage and your conduct. 
Our cruel and relentless enemy leaves us the only choice, — 
a brave resistance or the most abject submission. We have 
therefore to resolve to conquer or die. Our own, our coun- 
try's honor call upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion — 
if we fail, we shall become infamous to the world. The eyes 
of our countrymen are upon us ; we shall have their blessings 
and praises, if happily we are the instruments to save them from 
the tyranny meditated against them. Remember, liberty, pro- 
perty, Ufe and honor are all at stake — that upon you depend 



the hopes of your bleeding and insulted country; the safety 
of your parents, your wives and your children. Let each^ 
therefore, for himself resolve to conquer or die."—" Liberty or 
Death," " Liberty or Death" is the loud and reiterated res- 
ponse from every tongue ; each bosom swells with impatience 
for the conflict ; the banner is unfurled and the march is beat 
— it is the march of Washington to Liberty or Death. 

And now behold on yonder heights the extended phalanx, 
slow moving — their garments as if dyed with blood, fit em- 
blems of their purpose — their polished bayonets glitter in the 
sunbeams, and their lofty plumes, gently nodding, mark time 
as they onward move. — It is our country's foe. This village 
in silence sees their dread approach ; each door is closed, as 
if by death 'twas barred ; nor stirs there ought within, save 
some fond wife or mother, who from elevated window, 
well nigh closed, with beating heart and tearful eye, pursues 
A<^ith anxious look, the way our little band so late their march 
directed. The dread, the hope of our dear country, are both 
in view ; but oh ! what fearful odds — and so great it seems, 
that each heart sinks in despondency — Patriotism gives back, 
and even Hope stands dismayed ; a mournful gloom broodss 
o'er the land ; but it is like that deep darkness which pre- 
cedes the day-dawn. For, from the banks of the Delaware, 
and the heights of Princeton, a faint gleam of light is per- 
ceived, announcing the approach of the sun of Independence 
to our political horizon. And now, from the shores of the 
Hudson, and the plains of Saratoga, his golden beams are 
seen to gild the skies — and now, from the ramparts of York- 
town, his disk is visible, and he rises full orbed and sheds hig 
effulgent rays o'er this benighted land ; and soon is heard the 
loud acclaim " Independence" — " Peace." Joy swells every 
breast, and bursts from every tongue; and "Washington 
AND Liberty" precedes the loud and reiterated huzza. In ec- 
stacy of delight, mingling patriots exchange congratulations, 
and friends with friends. The war-worn soldier fondly seeks 
his home, where affection waits to welcome him ; and socie- 
ty is again restored to all its endearments. From the altar 
of each breast the incense of gratitude ascends, and each sa- 



20 

cred temple resounds with thanksgiving and praise, to Him 
who giveth the victory and crowneth it with Independence. 

Immortal Washington ! father of our country, the friend 
of liberty and of man, to thy memory, and to that of thy as- 
sociates in arms, departed heroes of the Revolution, we 
would tender the best tribute of freemen, the offering of the 
heart — You still live in our tenderest recollections and affec- 
tions — Your fame is co-extensive with tlie earth, and shall 
be commensurate with time. 

Surviving Heroes, and Patriots of the Revolution ! Rem- 
nant of that little band who achieved our Independence, ac- 
cept the gratitude of the sons, whose fathers were your com- 
panions in the glorious struggle, but who have fallen around 
you like the trees of the forest, and left you as the venerable 
oak, alone, exposed upon the wide waste. May He who sus- 
tained our country in its darkest hour, sustain your sinking 
nature, and may the glory you have attained here, be but the 
foretaste of that which awaits you hereafter. Venerable La 
Fayette, companion of Washington, the firm and consistent 
friend of liberty and of man ! accept our renewed expression 
of gratitude, not only for thy great benefaction, but for that 
kind recollection of our fathers which induced you to visit 
their children — and by your presence to give a Jubilee to 
the nation which will form an important epoch in the annals 
of our country ! May the evening of your days be as serene 
as your life has been glorious, and may the beams of your set- 
ting sun long continue to illumine the world. 

Respected fellow-townsmen, of the remnant of the survi- 
ving heroes of the Revolution ! accept the congratulations of 
your fellow- citizens, on this Jubilee of our Independence, that 
you have lived to see accomplished the great work in which 
you were engaged, and that you have so long enjoyed its 
consequent blessings ; yours is indeed a great reward. Your 
presence here this day, not only awakens the gratitude of your 
fellow-citizens, but gives a lively interest to the scene in which 
we are engaged. Those who have heard the incidents of 
our revolution recounted by their fathers, or seen them nar- 
rated in its history, must ever behold with feelings of grati- 



21 

lude and reverence, the aged veteran, hovv^ever humble his 
station, who has breasted the storm of war, and in the fight 
endeavom'ed to sustain the hberty of his country. You have 
come up here this day to view the work of your hands — that 
glorious temple which you aided in erecting. See upon what 
equality it is based ; with what strength it is sustained ; how 
firm is its covering ; how beautifully it is adorned, and how 
fragrant is the incense which burns upon its altar : that altar, 
whose horns afford protection to the proscribed offenders of 
tyranny and oppression of every land : that altar, in which is 
deposited the sacred fire of Liberty ; which, if here extinguish- 
ed, may be extinguished for ever. It was from this altar, that 
spark emanated which lit upon France, and there en- 
kindled and blazed until it was extinguished by its own vio- 
lence ; but having first communicated to Spain, is wafted 
from the Pyrenees to the Andes, and there again enkindling, 
is extended in every direction from the Atlantic to the Paci- 
fic, and from St. Salvador to Cape Horn, overcoming in its 
course every obstacle, and completing its triumph at Calao. 
The Bohun Upas of despotism has fallen before it, whose poi- 
sonous influence, renders barren the very region which sus- 
tains it, and is death to all who presumptuously approach it ; 
the rank weeds of aristocracy, the bane and curse of every 
country, are consumed ; the soil is purified ; a new and 
healthful vegetation is springing up, and a fresh verdure co- 
vers the land. Man again here walks forth, as amidst a new 
creation, nor fears to inhale death in every breeze. His 
rights, long rooted out, again flourish and beautify the land- 
scape : the thorn of persecution, which obstructed the path of 
the true votary, has been succeeded by the balsom of tolera- 
tion, and the sites of the temples of bigotry and superstition, 
have become the sites of the temples of a religion, pure and 
undefiled. 

But how has sunk that flame which was enkindled in 
Greece, by a spark disclosed from the ruins of their ancient 
altar of Liberty, beneath which it had slumbered for ages. 
A flame which threatened in its course not only the palaces 
of the great Infidel, but the temples of his Prophet ; whose 



23 

follower^ in vain endeavoured to intercept its progress by 
erecting barriers of thousands of the hfeless bodies of its vo- 
taries, and to extinguish it by turning upon it rivers of their 
blood. But Missolonghi has fallen ! and it is feared that glo- 
rious flame has been smothered in its ruins, or dissipated by 
the explosion which attended its destruction. 

Heroines of the Archipelago ! friends of Greece and of 
the Philhellens, we sympathize with you in your deep distress ; 
none but souls like yours could sustain this last sad catastro- 
phe of your country. Spirits like yours must be immortal, and 
may yet redeem your land from its cruel oppressors. Yours' 
is that same spirit which excited the daughters of America to 
those noble efforts which they made to rescue this land from 
its oppressors. Your voice has revived the recollection of 
their glorious deeds, and awakened the gratitude of their coun- 
trymen. You have characterised that spirit, by the appaUing 
alternatives you have preferred, to being the slave of your 
cruel tyrant : A tyrant, the butchery of whose vassals is his 
delight ; who feasts, as it were, upon their vitals, and drinks 
-.their hearts' blood ; whose most exquisite tortures are his 
pastime, and whose tears of the keenest anguish, are his most 
delicious beverage. 

O Missolonghi, how dreadful has been thy fate ! Immor- 
tal heroes of Greece, how lamentable thy destiny ! What 
freeman is there whose heart does not bleed at the recital of 
their sufferings : to see thousands already half wasted by 
famine, rushing from their fortress, mingling with their foes 
and perishing in one last desperate effort to release their 
country from its oppressors : to see thousands of all ages 
and sexes, as it were, self immolated upon their own funeral 
pile. O how horrible must be that tyranny, whose subjects 
seek refuge from it in the dreadful volcano, whose irruptions 
cover the earth with a lava of mangled limbs and still throb- 
bing vitals ! 

Fellow-citizens — When we take a view of the world, how 
few of the nations enjoy the light of liberty or participate ir^ 
its blessings. More unequal than the surface of the globe he 
inhabits, is the condition of man ! How vast the distance be« 



23 

tween the mighty monarch, who controls the destiny of em- 
pires, and his abject slave, who like the worm which crawls 
upon the earth, is subject to be crushed by his every footstep 
or what is less enviable, to be bruised and lacerated, and in 
all the agony of suffering, to drag out a wretched existence. 
Of the nations who claim to be free, how unfounded are most 
of their pretensions : they enjoy liberty but in name. Even 
in this, the most favored of nations, whose institutions are the 
most perfect, and which are founded upon the equality of 
man, and have for their object the protection of his rights, 
constitutional defects are most visible. In this glorious fa- 
bric of liberty there is a rotten intertie, which not only affects 
its beauty, but may ere long occasion its dissolution. It is 
in vain we boast of perfect hberty, whilst the degraded sons 
of Africa, still yoked to the iron car of slavery, and as if with 
wire-knotted thong, are here driven on, merciless and remorse- 
less. Slavery is a dark spot in the sun of our Independence, 
beneath which these unfortunates languish ; none of his 
bright rays cheer their hearts ; none of his genial heat ani- 
mates or warms them ; the radiance which surrounds them 
serves but to thicken the gloom in which they are enveloped ; 
the joy which Independence generally inspires renders them 
the more wretched by the contrast which their own condi- 
tion furnishes. See yon aged African, whose countenance 
though marked with age, beams with intelligence ; whose 
complexion, though dark, covers a heart swelling with kind, 
generous and noble feelings. It is permitted him to abstain 
from his daily task, to witness the hilarity this anniversary, 
this Jubilee inspires. He hears read from the Declaration 
of Independence, that " all men are created equal — that they 
are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, 
that among these are life. Liberty, and the pursuit of happi- 
ness" — his own inequality to those around him, rushes on his 
mind ; the joy of Independence dances before his eyes ; his bo- 
som heaves with strong emotions, and at the recollection of 
his own abject and degraded condition, the tear of sensibili- 
ty glistens on his sable cheek — the very joys we this day par* 
ticipate, are bitterness to him. 



24 

As a free nation we ought to be true to the principles we 
profess. We are bound to extend the blessings of civil li- 
berty to all within the power of our government. Respect 
to ourselves, to our professions, to consistency, should induce 
us to break the chains which fetter thousands of our fellow 
beings, who groan in slavery within our jurisdiction. Are 
bondage and independence, liberty and slavery, consistent cha- 
racteristics of a free government ? If so, why do we not place 
by the side of the emblem of Liberty, the poor African in 
chains ? Why not stamp his image upon our coin, or embroi- 
der it upon our standard ? Why do we preserve only the em- 
blem of Liberty ? Is it that we are ashamed of our true cha- 
racter ? If our government be composed of the representa- 
tives of slaves, should they not have a badge fit to distinguish 
them ? What a severe caracature would it be upon us, were 
Liberty represented as dragging after her the poor African 
in chains, supplicating but in vain for his release. Oh ! my 
countrymen, let us blush for our inconsistency, for profession 
without practice ; blush for that selfishness which still dooms 
within our own land thousands to bondage. Oh ! that the 
tears of contrition and anguish could cleanse our Constitu- 
tion from the foul stain which the toleration of slavery has 
marked there ! For what did we rebel against our parent 
country ? was it not because we were oppressed ? or was it 
that we might become the greater oppressors ? We separa- 
ted from a government, cruel, as it seemed to us, where slave- 
ry is not tolerated, but where the moment any human being 
treads upon its shores, and breathes its air, he walks forth in 
all the dignity of man^ — a. freeman. But here, in this boasted 
land of liberty, and, as is said, the only free country, one in- 
dividual holds, as absolute property, hundreds of his fellow 
men, distinguished only by color and the effects of that de- 
gradation to wliich they are subjected ; and in the vicinity 
of its Capitol, a mart is established for the purchase and sale 
of human flesh, and from which are shamelessly published, . 
the assurances of the undertakers, and with as much indiffe- 
rence as to the consequences, except as to their own interest, 
as the vain boasting of the mountebank or nostrum vender. 



) 



25 

We profess that our breasts glow with the love of liberty— = 
our sympathies were excited in favor of the French people 
in their struggle for it — our brethren of South America, and 
the oppressed Greeks had our most fervent prayers for their 
emancipation, and we would fain have given them our assis- 
tance ; and why do we not Ipok upon the poor oppressed 
sons of Africa in our own land ? Shall we excuse ourselves by 
saying that the federal compact, which unites these states, has 
guarantied the right of slavery to a portion of our fellow-ci- 
tizens ? Is it then that we are all bound in chains 1 Is our fe^ 
deral union thus cemented ? does it endure only by the blood 
and the tears of these wretched beings ? 

The curse of heaven has fallen upon those unhappy islands 
where the ties of humanity and the supplications of misery 
were disregarded : a wide spreading desolation swept over 
the land ; the blood of the oppressors flowed in torrents 
through the streets ; they became fugitives upon the earth ; 
strangers, destitute and friendless ; the property of the mas- 
ter became the property of the slave ; and the oppressed rose 
triumphant over their oppressors, and established themselves 
free and independent. The cloud, which ultimately caused 
this great tempest, at its first appearance was no bigger than 
a man's hand — and have we not seen a dark speck in the 
Southern horizon ? what does it portend ? Heaven forbid it 
should be a collection of that vapour which shall ultimately 
condense and deluge any portion of this happy country with 
torrents of blood. Oh ! my fellow-citizens, let lis supplicate 
most fervently the great disposer of events, that he will avert 
firom us so dreadful a calamity. 

To you fellow citizens, as members of this great common- 
wealth, exercising a common influence in its concerns, inte- 
rested alike in its prosperity and in its adversity, bound in 
common to sustain its character and the principles upon 
which our government is founded, I have taken the liberty 
on this occasion to address you upon a subject so highly in- 
teresting. But as citizens of New- Jersey, it is but justice 
that I relieve you from individual impUcation. In the exer- 
cise of your independent sovereignty as a state, you have, as 



iar as possible, washed your hands of this iniquity : you have 
loosened the chains of these unfortunates ; their shackles are 
fast falling off; and you have the assurance of nature, that 
the next return of this Jubilee will be effectual to the eman- 
cipation of every descendant of Africa in this portion of our 
country. And to you who have set this just example — the 
joys of this day would have been greatly increased, had every 
state in the Union afforded the like assurance. But though 
you have done much in the cause of suffering humanity, you 
still have an extensive field for the exertion of your benevo- 
lence and philanthropy, the melioration of the condition of 
these unfortunate beings. You can, by your exertion and li- 
berality, cause Liberia to rejoice, and Africa to be glad, be- 
cause of the restoration of her sons. 

Fellow-citizens — it is the dark side of the picture which 
I have been viewing ; but it was necessary, that if possible 
those deep shades which obscure it, may be softened, if not re- 
moved ; and those specks wiped off which discolour some 
of its finest features. But, because the picture is not perfect, 
shall we not admire the parts which are beailtiful 1 What 
is there that is perfect ? Even upon the disk of yonder suti 
which enlightens and animates the world, are dark spots 
which affect its lustre ; still does it far exceed that of the stars 
and the surrounding planets. Such- is the sun of our Inde- 
pendence, and such its lustre, in comparison with all other 
political systems which the glass of history has disclosed, or 
which to us are visible. 

Fellow-citizens — we have come up here this day to behold 
our political Zion — " beautiful for situation, and the joy of th'e 
whole earth. Let her then rejoice" — let the daughters of Co- 
lumbia be glad because of her victory. " Let us walk about 
Zion — ^let us go round about her, and tell the towers thereof 
— mark well her bulwarks — consider her palaces, that we 
may tell them to the generations following." 

Many are the pleasing subjects of contemplation, connect- 
ed with our present political situation ; for, at no period of 
our existence as a nation, have we had greater cause to re- 
joice for the multiplied blessings we enjoy : nor can any 



27 

iJiing give greater zest to this employment than to observe 
the contrast v^^hich is exhibited between our past and present 
situation, our former vassalage and present Independence. 
We were then slaves, now we are free — we were then in vas- 
salage, now we are Independent — we were then as hewers 
of wood and drawers of water, as it were, to a relentless Pha- 
raoh — we noAv possess the promised land, sit under our owa 
vine and our own fig tree, and have none to make us afraid. 
We possess a land, hterally flovving with milk and honey — 
q.11 the climates, the soils and the productions of the globe, 
are ours — we govern ourselves, thereby refuting that false 
but selfish maxim of kings, that the people are incapable of 
self government — We have acquired the knowledge that 
kings are not the vicegerents of heaven, nor theirs to rule, a 
right divine ; and we have also attained to an understanding 
of the true distinction among men, and been taught to believe 
that true nobility is native worth ; and, from practical experi- 
ment, have proved that a government purely republican can 
exist, and possess all the energies necessary for its support, 
and if aught be wanting for its efficiency, it will be supplied 
by the voluntary aid of its citizens. 

We enjoy as well religious as civil liberty ; we worship ac- 
cording to the dictates of our own conscience ; we are not 
subject to tythes of all we possess, nor bound to contri- 
bute to any church establishment, but our charities are per- 
mitted to flow free as our mountain streams. 

Ours, is a government of laws, not of arbitrary power ; it is 
founded on public opinion, and not upon necessity or force ; 
our rulers are not imposed upon us by birth or power, but are 
dependant upon the free suflfrages of their fellow-citizens ; 
nor is their tenure of office fqr life, but they are often cast 
back upon the people, thereby forming a happy check upon 
their conduct by a knowledge of their accountability. 

Rotation in office has becon^e a repubhcan maxim, and is 
put in practical operation ; it is opposed to monopoly, and 
promotive of that equality which is the very basis of our go- 
vernment. 

Our government, like the sun, diffuses its blessings alike to 



28 

all within its sphere, and furnishes protection as well to the 
poor as to the rich ; and if there be any difference, it results 
from public feeling in favor of the former, which forms a 
counterpoise against the influence of wealth. Under its wise 
administration, our government, though yet in its infancy, 
has attained a strength unparalleled for its age. What has 
not the short period of a little more than forty years accom- 
plished ? What, in the arts and sciences, have we not made 
our own ? In useful inventions, improvements in agriculture, 
commerce, and manufactures, the people of this country have 
surpassed those of any other nation in the like period. 

The desert and the solitary place have been made to blos' 
som as the rose — the hills to rejoice, and the neighbouring 
vaUies to smile. Where only the beasts of the forest and 
the savage tribes of the wilderness roamed, millions of free- 
men now pursue the arts of civil life. Villages, towns and 
cities thickly adorn this immense territory. The forest and 
thicket, once impervious only to their native inhabitants, have 
given place to flocks and herds, which enliven the green pas- 
ture, and to ripening corn which waves upon the fields. — 
Where the council fire, the war dance and other savage 
celebrations of victory were once exhibited, the representa- 
tive chambers of a free people, and temples erected to the 
true God, now hold place. 

The rapids and the cataracts, which nature had interpos- 
ed in the course of our rivers, have, in effect, been remov- 
ed ; and the current and the tide rendered feeble obsta- 
cles to their expeditious navigation. Behold yon floating 
castle, as it were by a self-moving and self-creating pow- 
er urging its way against the wind, the current and the 
tide, and bidding defiance to their resistance. It seems 
a httle floating world, visiting our shores and exploring our 
interior. See how steadily and majestically it moves. This is 
a prodigy of the new world ; the old knew it not. It is the 
effect of that spirit of enterprise and improvement which 
characterizes this peoplie, and which a free government is so 
well calculated to cherish. 

To thee, oh Fulton, departed genius ! we ascribe the glory 



29 

of this work. Though thou couldst not command tlie winds 
and waves into obedience, yet hast thou overcome their force, 
and made them subservient to thy will. The world is largely 
thy debtor ; yet more thy country, and still more the state, 
to whom thou didst first impart the important benefits of thy 
inventive mind ; and it shall yet reward thy labour. For 
though envy may for a while stifle the generous emotions of 
the heart, or find a pretended consideration for thy services 
in the pecuniary benefits it may have afforded, or in the fame 
which it procured for thee— though a cold selfishness may , 
hitherto have chilled those feelings of gratitude which thy 
benefaction must have excited in every generous breast — 
and though a mean parsimony, resulting more frequently 
from a regard to popular favor than a just consideration of 
the merits of the applicant, may have withheld from the 
solicitations of thy representatives a fit compensation for 
thy labours, a sense of justice shall return, and excite even 
thine own state to wipe from its history the foul stain of in- 
gratitude, and the tear of distress from the cheek of the wi- 
dow and the orphan. 

Not less wonderful is that stupenduous work which has 
connected the lakes with the Atlantic, and mingled their wa- 
ters. Like the effect of enchantment, the vessel is noAv seen 
amidst the woods, and its course upon the summit of the 
mountains, from thence descending to the plains below, bear- 
ing in its bosom the produce of the soil from the remotest set- 
tlement to the great emporium of our land. 

Oh, Clinton ! what does not thy country, but especially 
thy parent state, owe to thee, for the conception and success- 
ful accomplishment of this wonder of the age — Thou who 
hadst the firmness, amidst the scoffings of thine enemies and 
ridicule of the incredulous, to give thy project to the world, 
and daredst to hazard a well earned fame upon the success of 
the great design. But it is accomplished. The world views 
it with amazement, and thy country boasts of the unparallel- 
ed work, whilst every section of it bears testimony to its im- 
portance by their efforts to imitate the great example. But 
what has been thy reward ? The chaplet with which thy fel- 



30 

low-citizens had adorned thy brow, thine enemies attempted 
forcibly to tear from it ; and this thy glorious deed, already 
deeply engraven upon the tablet of fame, they, by violence, 
have attempted to efface. But ineffectual have been all 
their efforts, which, whilst they have served to evince their 
malignity, have attached to thee the just and virtuous of thy 
countrymen, who have become the guardians of thy fame, 
and will perpetuate this thy glorious deed. Nor shall these 
alone bear witness for thee ; but in all future time, as the 
vessel glides along upon the smooth surface of its waters, or 
ascends from the basin below, each passenger, inquiring of his 
attendant, who projected this great work 1 shall receive for 
answer — De Witt Clinton. 

The streams, with which the God of nature has refreshed 
and fertilized our land, have become the moving power of in- 
numerable manufactories, which, in a great measure, now 
supply our necessities, and, if duly fostered by our govern- 
ment, will soon render us independent of other nations, es- 
pecially for all articles of the first necessity, and even those 
of a secondary importance. And, fellow-citizens, permit me 
to observe, that we boast in vain of our Independence, whilst 
we are tributary to other nations for an indispensable supply 
from their manufactories. We ought to manufacture for 
ourselves, and as a nation, imitate the provident husband- 
man, whose barns are always filled with the produce of his 
lands, and his pastures with flocks and herds — who has the 
means to supply his own wants, and in times of scarcity is 
not obliged to go down into Egypt to buy corn of the servants 
of Pharaoh, nor in consideration thereof to become his bonds- 
men. The germs of manufactories are already set among 
us, and the protection of government will soon cause them 
to grow up and yield us enough, and to spare. When that 
happy period shall arrive, which not only our government, 
but every individual should endeavour to accelerate, by giv- 
ing preference to all articles of ^domestic manufacture, we 
shall indeed he free and Independent. 

The Ocean, which divides the world, with us has become a 
familiar channel of communication with every isle and con- 
tinent. Our star-spangled banner floats in every breeze and 



31 

clime, and rich have been the returns which out commerce 
has brought us. Amidst the commotions of the old world we 
maintained our neutrality and became the carriers of nations. 
This in connection with the sale and supply of our own pro- 
duce are the causes of our unexampled prosperity. And to 
these causes shall we be indebted for the success of our ma- 
nufactories. For it is commerce which has laid their foun- 
dation, in that capital which it has accumulated, and which, 
as if by a wise interposition of Providence, can no longer be 
beneficially employed in its accustomed channel, that it may 
be diverted to this great national object, the aid of our ma- 
nufactories, and to the building up this strong tower of our 
defence. Our commerce has not only thus enriched us and 
laid the foundation of our future prosperity, but it has been 
a nursery for our seamen in which they have been educated ; 
and how effectual has been that education, let their exploits 
in our late contest with Great Britain upon the lakes and 
ocean tell. By the mouths of their cannon they communis 
cated a knowledge of their skill to the world, and by their 
echoes, which reverberated from shore to shore, they taught 
not only their haughty foes to dread, but all the nations of 
the earth to respect them. 

Although the art of war, in relation to the land service, is 
necessary to be cultivated, and those institutions in our coun- 
try which have for their object the instruction of our youth in 
the first principles of that art deserve the countenance of 
every friend to his country, as well as the patronage of the 
government — and although a military force, to a certain ex- 
tent, and equal perhaps to our present establishment, is es- 
sential for various purposes, even in time of peace — and al- 
though the laurels which our regular troops gathered, and 
with which they adorned their brows in our revolution, as 
well as in our late contest with Great Britain, shall never 
fade, and the fame of their glorious deeds be transmitted to 
the latest posterity, and their services receive the grateful ac- 
knowledgment of their country — still, a standing army is in- 
consistent with the nature of a free government, and dan- 
gerous to its very existence ; and therefore should never 
be maintained beyond the most necessary limits, and espe- 



32 

pecially when the militia of the country, whose interest not 
only lies in peace but the security of every thing that is dear 
to them is dependent upon it, can be disciplined and relied 
on for every immediate emergency, whether to quell internal 
commotions or repel the first efforts of an invading foe>. 

But our Navy, fellow-citizens, is our great defence beyond 
the limits of our shores. It is that which must protect our 
commerce, and free us fiom insult upon the high seas ; nay, 
give security to our very coasts, bays and harbours ; and free 
them from pirates and all free-booters. It is our Navy which 
must hold in check the Barbary powers, save our country 
tiom tribute, and her citizens from the most galling chains. 
It is our Navy, which can enable us to relieve oppressed hu- 
manity, and protect the unfortunate sons of Africa from be- 
ing the subjects of a horrid trafic in human flesh, and all the 
consequent sufferings of a cruel slavery. There are no in- 
habitants of the ocean who owe us allegiance, or whom we 
can command to our assistance. Our floating castles must 
. there be our dependence. The time was, when the friends of 
our infant Navy almost despaired of the fostering care of go- 
vernment, or the countenance of the people. But the lat& 
war released them from their fears. The finger of Heaven 
appeared distinctly to direct the attention of government to 
it. By the aid of the God of Battles, they fought themselves 
into favor — public opinion changed, and both government 
and people became its zealous patrons. 

Whilst on this Jubilee we cherish the memory of those he- 
roes who fell in our struggle for Independence, let us asso- 
ciate them in our recollections and gratitude, with those he- 
roes of the ocean and the land, who fell in our late contest 
with Great Britain, and uniting all who have fought our coun- 
try's battles with the Immortal Washington. Let .us give vent 
in every expression of joy, to those feelings which their he- 
roic deeds inspire — let the instruments by which they achiev- 
ed their victories pour forth their loudest notes of praise — 
let the distant hills re-echo the joyful sound, and every breast 
swell with gratitude, thanksgiving and praise, to the " King of 
Nations," that we are this day an independent, free and 

HAPPV PEOPLE. 



CENSUS, -&C. 
'As taken hy ISAAC NICHOLS, Assessor. 



M»»©®^«- 



Wliole number of Inhabitants in the Township of 

Newark, ~ - - - - 8011 

Residents in the Town plat, - - - 7237 

Do. out of the Town plat, - - 780 

Total, - 8017 

White male Inhabitants, under 21 years, - 2190 

Do. between 21 and 50, - 1428 

Do. between 50 and 75, - 183 

Do. 75 and upwards, ' « 17 

Total, - 3818 

White female Inhabitants, under 21 years, - - 1917 

Do. between 21 and 50, * 1441 

Do. between 50 and 75, - 306 

Do, 75 and upwards, - 24' 

Total, - 3688 

Free rnales of colour, under 21 years, - - 106 

Do. between 21 and 50, - - 84 

Do.. between 50 and 75, - 13 

Total, - 203 

Free females of colour, under 21 years, - - 142 

Do. between 21 and 50, - - 112 

Do. between 50 and 75, "■ 21 

Do. 75 and upwards, - - 2 

Total, - 277 

Male slaves for life, - « - - 16 

Female do. « - » v , 1,5 



210 



J4 

Kumber of male inhabitants in the Township, who 

were residents in the same in 1776, - - 67 

Number of female do. - - - - 94 
Number of inhabitants who were engaged in the 

Revolutionary service, - - - 5& 

List of Professions and Occupations, and number of persons 

engaged in each. 
Clergymen, .-..-- 9 

Physicians, - - - - - 10 

Farmers, - - - - - - 81 

Lawyers, - - " - --14 

School Teachers, - - - - - 16 

Merchants, - - - - - 34 

Druggists, .---.- 5 

Including Journeymen and Apprentices. 

Shoe-makers, - - - - - 685 

Carriage-makers, 64") 

Trimmers, 48 

Painters, 21 

Smiths, 77 

Carpenters, - - . . - 89^ 

Chair-makers, - -^ - - - 79 

Hatters, .-..-- 70 

Curriers, - - - - - - 61 

Saddlers, - - . " „ . . 57 
Masons, - - - - ... 46. 

Coach-lace Weavers, - - - - 36 

Cabinet-makers, - - - - - 35 

Tailors, - - - ' ' - - ^ 35 

Jewellers, - . . . - - 22. 

Black-smiths, - - - - - 19 

Plain-makers, ------ 1-7- 

Tanners, - - - - - - 17 

Silver Platers, - - - - - 15 

Bakers, - - - - - - 15 

Carters, _ - - - - - 13 

Saddle-tree Makers, - - - - 12 

liouse-painters and Glaziers, - - - - 10 

Wagon-makers, ----- 8 

Trunk-makers, _ _ _ _ . 7 

Coopers, -■ - - - - -' 7 

Stone-cutters,.- - - - - - & 

Last-makers, - - - - - 6 



35 



^ 



JKutchers, ------ 

Plough-makers, - - - - - 4 

Pump-makers, . . . » . 1 

Morocco-dressers, - - - - - 3 

Brush-makers, ... , * 3 

Gun-smiths, - - . - _ - 2 

Watch and Clock-m9,kers, ... 2 

Tallow-chandler, - - - - - 1 

Lock-maker, _ » _ . - l 

Day Labourers, - - - - - 135 

Printing-offices, - - - " " 2 

Workmen employed in do. - - - - 7 

Distilleries, - . - - _ 3 

Breweries, - - - - - - 2 

Grist-mills, - - - - - 2 

Factories. 

Iron and Brass foundries. - - ■« - 3 

Workmen employed, - - - - 12 

Cotton factory, - - - •• - 1 

Workmen, - - -. - - 6 

Tin and Sheet-iron factories, - - - - 3 

Workmen, - - - - - 9 

Coach-spring factory, - - - - - 1 

Workmen, - - - - - 10 

Chocolate and Mustard factory, - - - 1 

Workmen, . - ... 8 

Tobacco factory, - - - - - 1 

Workmen, - - - - - 13 

Looking-glass factory, - - - - - 1 

Workmen, _ ^ - - - 4 

Soap and Candle factory, - - - - 1 

Workmen, - - - » - 4 

Earthen Pottery, ^ - - - -1 

Workmen, - - - - - 3 

Rope-walk, - - - - " - I 

Workmen, - . - - - S 

Churches. 

Presbyterian, - ' - - - - » 3 

Episcopalian, - - - - * 1 

Baptist, - - - - '■ - 1 

Methodist, , . - - - 1 

Roman Catholic, - - - - » 1 

African, -.-.-« 1 



36 

Pwelling; houses in the town plat, « - 844 

Mechanic workshops do. - - - - 207 

Pubhc Landings, ----- 5 

Vessels sailing to and from Kewark. 

Schooner, in North River trade, - « - 1 

Sloop, Southern do. - - - 1 

Sloops, from Commercial Dock to New-York, - 3 

Do. Bridge Dock, do. - - s 

Do. Stone Dock^ do. - _ 1 

Lumber yards, - p, - - « 3 

Q.uarries, = - - - - - 4 



39 



DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE OF CONFEDERATION. 

The temple is of a circular form, built upon a plane, six- 
teen feet in diameter, and composed of 1 3 arches and co- 
lumns. The whole height from the foundation to the top of 
the dome, is twenty-tAvo feet. It is formed round a centre 
standard, and connected therewith. Its exterior is handsome- 
ly decorated with evergreens, which form the mouldings, cor- 
nice and capital, and which cover the centre standard and 
dome. The face of the columns, the architraves of the arches 
and frieze of the cornice are in transparency. Upon the face 
of the columns are the names of those who signed the declara- 
tion of Independence ; upon each arch the name of a State, 
and upon the frieze of the cornice, the names of Washing* 
ton, Green, La Fayette, and other distinguished General Offi- 
cers of the Army of the revolution, including Rochambeau 
and De Grasse, all in vermilhon capitals. In each of the an- 
gles of the entablatures, formed by the intersection of the ar- 
ch^, is a large transparent letter, which together form the 
woM Confederation. Upon the spire is a beautiful fleur- 
de-lis, and above it a vane, representing the figure of Fame, 
both in transparency, and the out edges of which are neatly 
trimmed with evergreens. Upon the upper cross member of 
the fleur-de-lis is the word Independence, in capital letters, 
upon th^ next, July, the next, 4th, and upon the next, 1 776 ; 
and upon the lower ones the words Liberty and Equality.— 
The temple is so constructed as to be put up in a few minutes 
and for that purpose thirteen patriots of '76 were selected. 

The following is the allegory intended by the temple. The 
centre standard, which is first erected, represents the stand- 
ard of Liberty, around which our Countrymen rallied in the 
early part of the revolution : The fleur-de-lis, the declaration of 
Independence : The thirteen columns and arches, the origi- 
nal fstates ; and the names, inscribed upon the columns, their 
representatives at the time our Independence was declared. 
Each arch represents a state ; and the raising of the temple 
by patriots of '76, the act of confederation : The transparent 
letters forming the word Confederation, the effect of their 
confederation : The whole temple, the confederacy : The 
vane, that fame which was consequent on the declaration of 
Independence and the Confederation : The plane upon which 
it is built, that equality upon which the government was ori- 
ginally based ; and the evergreens with which the temple is 
adorned, the perpetuity of that government. 



4t> 



FORM OF THE SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE MONUMENT. 

It having been resolved, at a meeting of the citizens of 
New^ark convened upon pubHc notice, that arrangements be 
made for the celebration of the approaching Anniversary, it 
being the ffiieth, of our Independence, and that, as such, it 
be commemorated as a Jubilee — And in order to perpetu- 
ate this commemoration with all its incidents, it having been 
I'urther resolved, that a monument be erected upon the Mili- 
tary Common, and that the foundation stone thereof be laid 
in due form on the 4th day of July, 1 826 : And it having been 
further resolved, that a subscription be opened to defray the 
expense of said monument, distinct from the subscription for 
defraying the incidental expenses of the celebration, and that 
the subscriptions thereto be payable (to Luther Goble and 
Charles T. Shipman.) six months from and after the said 
fourth day of July — We the undersigned, approving of the 
object in erecting said monument, and more especially, that 
we may embrace the present opportunity, publicly to express 
our gratitude to those heroes and patriots who achieved our 
Independence ; our hatred of Tyranny ; our regard for the 
equal rights of man ; our attachment to a republican form of 
-government, and especially to the civil institutions of these 
United States, do, hereby, severally promise to pay to Luther 
Goble and Charles T. Shipman, within the time above men- 
tioned, and for the purposesherein before expressed, the sums 
affixed to our respective names. 

Dated at Newark, this twenty-first day of June, in the 

year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twen- 

t\'-six. 



43 



SEMI-CENTURIAL MONUMENT 

TO BE BUILT AT^NEWARK. 

1 . This Monument is of a general character, and has no allu- 
sion to any particular event, but is intended to commemo- 
rate our Independence and Government. 

2. It is located upon a. plane, instead of an eminence, to re- 
present that equality upon which the government is founded. 

3. It is built in the Tuscan, being the plainest order, to re^^ 
present the simple style of our government, as distinguish-, 
ed from Monarchical or Imperial governments. 

4. The pedestal of the column is square, and of the most so- 
lid form, to represent as well the soUdity of the foundation, 
as the justice which influences our government. 

5. The base of the column is composed of thirteen upright 
blocks or stones, giving it the appearance of fluting ; these 
are designed to represent the old thirteen States, from which 
the shaft of the column rises, as the 24 States actually have 
done, leaving the ancient confederation, and forming a new 
government, 

6. The shaft of the column, above the base, is round, and is 
intended to represent this consolidated government, compos- 
ed of the United States ; and the height of the column is. 
fifty feet, corresponding with the number of years since the 
declaration of Independence. 

7. The itmono/fA.eS'tofe*, will be represented by a spiral hand, 
by which the column will be bound, as well as ornamented ; 
upon sections of which, will be formed in prominent letters, 
the name of each state, with the date of its admission into 
the Union. The Territories will have their respective names 
inscribed, without any date of admission. 

8 . The jo/am arid unornamented part of the shaft of the column, 
is intended to represent the uncultivated and unimproved sec- 
tions of the country, and which may yet be populated and; 
formed into States, and admitted into the Union.. 

9. The column will be ornamented yi^ith a vine, (the grape,) 
which will appear to have taken root at its base, and spiral- 
ly cUmbing the column, and hung with clusters of fruit, to 
shew the flourishing condition of the states ; which vine, 
though at present terminating short of half the height of the 
shaft, is apparently very vigorous, and is putting forth new 
buds and foliage, and promising continued increase. 

1 0. On the capital of the column will be inscribed, in the rich- 



44 

.est golden characters, the name of Washington ; npt only 
because Washington is the seat of our government, and Ca- 
pitol of the country, but because Washington was the most 
elevated and distinguished character in it. Upon another 
member of .the capital, will be inscribed, Independence, July 
4th, 1776. 

1 1 . The Column will be surmounted by a globe, upon which 
the American Eagle will be placed, as it were, in the 
act of incubation. ; intimating that the government and free 
institutions of the United States, have the effect to animate 
into existence other republics or free governments, as has 
already been the consequence of their example. 

1 2. Upon the four pannels of the pedestal, will be represent- 
ed those scenes and names which are most interesting, and 
most worthy to be perpetuated. 

1 3. Upon the four angles of the pedestal, formed by the base 
of the column, will be placed ybwr large urns, exhibiting, as 
in transparency, in golden characters, the names of Washing- 
ton, Adams, Jefferson and Franklin, with the dates of their 
respective births and deaths. 

The Monument will be surrounded with an iron railing to 
protect it ; exhibiting the care and protection which the citi- 
zens have of the government. 

The pedestal will be about ten feet square, from the ex- 
treme of the ii^embers of it ; and the shaft of the column 
about five feet three inches diameter at the base. 

The representation of the Monument, facing this descrip- 
tion, is only the simple pedestal and column, without any of 
the ornanaents mentioned. 

The thirteerp stones, of which the base of the column is 
composed, are designed to be of like memorial to this people, 
as were the twelve stones which the twelve men, one from each 
tribe of the children of Israel, at the command of Joshua, 
took from the midst of the river Jordan — a monument forever, 
of , their deliverance, by the special interposition of a gracious 
Providence. (See Joshua, iv chap, from the 1st to the 8th 
ver. inclusive.) 



TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 

ADAMS AND JEFFERSON. 



Newark, July 11, 1S26. 

At a public meeting, convened pursuant to notice, at Roff s 
Hotel, the Hon. Wm. S. Pennington was chosen Chairman, 
and Wm. Halsey, Esq. Secretary. The object of the meet- 
ing having been opened by some preliminary remarks — It 
was unanimously resolved, That the Citizens assembled at 
this meeting, pay a tribute of respect to the memory of the 
venerable and illustrious John Adams, and to the memory of 
the venerable and illustrious Thomas jErFERSON ; and that 
their fellow-citizens be invited to join therein. 

Resolved, That the ceremonies which are to take place on 
the occasion, be on Thursday evening next, and that the ci- 
tizens assemble at sunset, at the flag staff — That a proces- 
sion be there formed, and proceed to the second Presbyteri- 
an Church, under the direction of Col. Stephen Hays, acting 
as Marshal. 

[The following remarks, on the occasion, were made by 
Wm. Halsey, Esq.] 
Mr. Chairman, 

From the South and from the East, simultaneously are 
heard, a like mournful wail. It is the wail of Columbia for 
the bereavement of two of her dearest sons. The venerable 
and illustrious John Adams — the venerable and illustrious 
Thomas Jefferson— are no more ! The Jubilee of Indepen- 
dence dawned upon both in life, and it closed upon both in 
death. The sound of the Trumpet of Jubilee is reverbera- 
ted in strange and mysterious echoes. Our joys are turned 
into mourning, and our songs into lamentations. 

We are called upon by gratitude to the illustrious deceas- 
ed — ^by their public services and by their private virtues, to 
pay a last sad tribute of respect to their memories — To the 
memory of the friends and companions of the father of our 
country, and of the early and firm supporters of its Liberty 
and Independence ; who, as if nearly allied, seemed to have 
imbibed the same principles at their birth, and equally to 
Jiave sustained them through hfe. The Revolution of their 
country broke upon them in the meridian of their days and 
in the vigour of their natures. It excited in them, like feel- 



46 

ings, like resentments, an equal abhorrence of tyranny and 
oppression, and an equal love of Liberty and Independence. 
Though from different sections of the country, differently 
educated, and of different associations, they seemed to pos- 
sess congenial souls, and to be influenced by one spirit, and 
the same star appeared to have directed and guided their 
destinies. The same qualities and virtues rendered them 
alike attractive to their fellow countrymen, and produced the 
same result to both. Each became the representative of his 
native colony, in the Congress of America. Sensible of the 
oppression of their country, they were equally desirous to re- 
lease her from the tyranny to which she was subjected, and 
equally emulous to render her free and independent. It was 
the former of these patriots, who dared to second that stroke 
which made the first impression upon her chains. Both were 
united in framing that instrument which was effectually to 
cut them asunder ; and it was the latter which gave it that 
powerful edge which rendered it irresistible. To these two 
illustrious workmen, more than to any others, we are indebt- 
ed for that glorious Edifice whose foundation they laid with 
their own hands, by whose skill it was cemented, and by 
whose after labours it was strengthened and adorned. Their 
pohtical faith was alike conspicuously manifested in the De- 
claration of Independence. The life of each was entirely 
devoted to the service of his country, and each attained to 
the highest honours his fellow citizens could bestow. Both 
were made to drink of that cup which party rage had imbit- 
tered, but this only served to excite a more hvely sympathy 
towards each other, and to draw closer the friendly ties which 
subsisted between them. As in the meridian of life they 
were drawn together by similar principles and feelings, so, 
in the evening of their days they were closely attached by 
those virtues which a long life had disclosed. They, as it 
were, together gave birth to the Independence of their coun- 
try, and together expired amidst the joys its first Jubilee ex- 
cited. 

In their own reconciliation were harmonized the discor- 
dant feeUngs of their countrymen, and they cemented the 
friendship of all in their own union. In one spirit they lived 
— in one affection they died, and with a like spirit of affection 
their bereaved fellow-citizens shall assemble around their 
Urns, and moisten with the tears of love their consecrated 
ashes. Posterity shall estimate alike their virtues and their 
glorious deeds, and we humbly trust they now equally share 
the joys of a glorious immortality. 



47 

On Friday evening, the 1 4th July, pursuant to arrange- 
ment, the citizens of Newark, at sunset, assembled at the 
Flag Staff, and being formed in procession, moved around 
the Mihtary Common, thence up Broad-street, to the inter- 
section of Bridge-street, from thence to the northern extre- 
mity of the Upper Common, thence down the walk on the 
eastern margin thereof, until it arrived opposite the second 
Presbyterian Church, there wheeling to the right, crossed the 
Common to the Church. 

The Marshal led the procession, and was next succeeded 
by the Undertakers — a band of the Heroes of '76 immediate- 
ly followed — next thirteen Citizens, each bearing a large and 
brilliant flambeau. Two large sable Urns, preceded by a 
veteran of the revolution, aged 88 years, were next — borne 
in succession by two heroes of '76, supported on the right 
and left by two of like character. On each urn was display- 
ed, in transparent characters, the name, date of the death, 
and age of the respective illustrious dead. From the top of 
each urn was emitted a lambent flame of fragrant incense- 
next followed as chief mourners, twenty-four aged and re- 
spectable patriots, representing the twenty-four States, in 
deep black, and each particularly distinguished by an appro- 
priate badge. Succeeding these, followed the Reverend 
Clergy — the Physicians — the Professors and Teachers — the 
military Officers, and the Citizens. 

The Church was dressed in the deepest mourning. The 
columns which support the gallery, were wound around with 
sable wreaths. In its whole extent, the front of the gallery 
was hung with black drapery, appropriately festooned. The 
table, the pulpit, and the seat within, were also covered with 
black ; and the large window behind the pulpit, from the sum- 
mit of the arch to the capitals, was hung round with drape- 
ry, which fell gracefully down the front of each column. The 
flambeaux were arranged at the entrance of the church, and 
there blazed during the exercises — and the urns placed at 
the extreme of the main aisle immediately in front of the pul- 
pit, from their elevated situation furnished a constant memen- 
to of the mournful events which called us together. The 
exercises were opened by a solemn, impressive, and appro- 
priate prayer by the Rev. Mr. Russell, which was followed by 
a dirge from a select choir — next an address by the Rev. 
Philip Courtland Hay, in which the characters of the illus- 
trious deceased were forcibly and correctly dehneated — then 
an anthem by the choir — and the whole concluded by a most 
impressive benediction by the Rev. Mr. Hamilton 



48 

The whole scene was of the most imposing character. A 
procession, composed of aged veterans and patriots, with 
feeble and tottering steps, as if treading upon the crumbhng 
verge of the grave, bearing, in sad and melancholy array, the 
consecrated ashes of their most illustrious companions and 
countrymen to their sacred depository — moving at that hour 
most in unison with the sorrowing heart, just as the declining 
sun has ceased to tinge the horizon with his departing rays, 
and night is spreading around her gloomy mantle — a scene 
most correspondent with that in which the last glimmerings 
of the lamp of life are extinguished, and death veils in deep 
darkness the bereaved relatives and friends. Amidst this 
gloom, the flambeaux shed their glaring light, rendering the 
darkness more visible, and creating, as it were, a halo of glo- 
ry around the illustrious dead. Not a drum is heard, nor a 
funeral note, save the deep toned bell and the minute gun, 
which impress the ear with their doleful sound. It is that 
deep silence amidst the gloom of night that impresses the 
volatile and thoughtless with a dread solemnity — the sacred 
temple rendered still more solemn by the habiliments of woe 
in which it is habited — the sable urn, whose flame in heart- 
felt eloquence proclaims, " though dead he still liveth," and 
upon which, in characters of golden lustre, beams the name 
of him whose sacred ashes it contains, and is emblematic of 
that brightness in which that name shall shine through all 
succeeding ages. 

The Urns used on the occasion, were justly proportioned 
and judiciously adapted to the purpose intended, and evin- 
ced the correct taste of the committee to whom the prepara- 
tion of them was intrusted. Great credit is due to those re- 
spectable citizens who, rising above the littleness of contract- 
ed minds, and considering it honorable, volunteered their ser- 
vices to light the path to the tomb of their illustrious coun- 
trymen, who had long since illumined their way to Libertv 
and Independence. 



REV'D. SIR— 

I am desired by, and in behalf of, the Committee of Arrangements of th« 
funeral honors, paid by the Citizens of Newark to our illustrious and venerated 
countrymen John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, to express to you their 
thanks for the very appropriate and impressive address you delivered on the 
occasion, and to request you will add to the favor already conferred, a copy of 
it for publication. The committee wish to combine it and an account of the 
funeral honors and other interesting incidents of the present period, in a pub- 
lication about to be made of the proceedings and addresses which occurred in 
this town in commemoration of our late national Jubilee. 

I am, Rev'd. Sir, 
Most respectfully, 
Yours &c. 

Wm. HALSEY. 
Rev'd. Philip Courtland Hay. 
Newark, July 16th, 1S26. 



DEAR sir- 
It is with much diffidence that I consent to the publication of my Address- 
The time allotted for preparing it was so short, that it was necessarily a hasty 
effusion. I am aware that many more interesting incidents might have been 
incorporated in the sketch given of our lamented countrymen, had my time 
admitted of more careful research ; but I submit it to the candour of my fellow- 
citizens, just as it was delivered, with the hope it may be productive of some 
good. 

Respectfully yours, &c. 

PHILIP C. HAY. 
William JIalsey, Esq. 

Newark, July 20th, 1826. 



ADDRESS. 



IIespected Fellow-Citizens : — 

In compliance with your request, I meet you this evening 
on an occasion, in a high degree, solemn and interesting. 
He, in whom we all live and move, and have our being, has 
in one day severed by the stroke of death, from their kindred 
and their homes, and from twelve millions of sorrowing coun- 
trymen, two of those early patriots and statesmen, who, by 
their wise counsels, and noble and persevering efforts in the 
cause of freedom, were among the most important instruments 
of obtaining for our country, the rich blessings with which it 
is now crowned. The venerated Adams and Jefferson, are 
no more. They have bid adieu to earth, and sleep in the 
tomb ; but a nation's tears, poured upon their ashes, evince 
that they still live in the hearts of their countrymen, and their 
names will be transmitted from generation to generation, 
while gratitude exists in the human bosom, and liberty has 
an asylum upon earth. How mysterious and wonderful are 
the ways of Providence. The very day on which, fifty years 
ago, these venerable men, associated with others of a kindred 
spirit, boldly declared to the world the resolution of an op- 
pressed people to burst the fetters of tyranny or perish in 
the attempt, was selected by infinite wisdom as the period 
when their honourable, useful, and patriotic lives should be 
terminated. How aifecting the consideration, that at the 
very hour when hundreds of thousands were Hstening with 
thrilUng delight to that declaration of Independence, whose 
wise, and just, and manly sentiments have rendered it the 
admiration of the world, the heart that dictated it was heav- 
ing its last throb, and the hand that penned it was moisten. 



\ 



53 

£d with the cold damp of death. And ere the Sun of Free- 
dom's Jubilee had sunk below the horizon, the angel of death 
left the couch of its illustrious framer, and directing his course 
to the sage of fourscore years and ten, the firm and strenuous 
advocate of rational liberty, summoned his spirit to accom- 
pany that of his com-patriot statesman and friend, to the 
scenes of eternity. " They were lovely in their lives, and in 
their deaths they were not divided." Farewell, ye faithful 
pair : Bold assertors of your country's wrongs — ^brave defen- 
ders of your country's rights — ^enlightened statesmen — friends 
of humanity, of America, and of the world, farewell. You 
lived to see the fair fabric, whose corner stone ye laid, erect- 
ed and completed, and its strength tested and confirmed by 
the lapse of half a century, to hear the joyous acclamations 
of millions of freemen, whose bosoms beat high in the con- 
sciousness of independence, and whose prayers ascended in 
your behalf, then sunk into the arms of death, full of years 
and of honours, on the day ever dear to the children of Co- 
lumbia. Be ours the sad, yet pleasing task, gratefully to re- 
cord your distinguished services, and embalm your memories 
in our hearts. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the decla- 
ration of Independence, entered early upon the toils and ho- 
nors of pubUc life. He was born in the county of Albemarle, 
in Virginia, in April, 1743. Such was the high estimation in 
which he was held by the citizens of his native state, that at 
the age of 22, their suffrages gave him a seat in the Colonial 
Legislature, and before he had reached 25, he was a leading 
member in that Assembly, and an active opponent of that 
course of tyrannical measures which Great Britain had com- 
menced in relation to this country. Here the flame began 
to kindle in his bosom, which afterwards burned so brightly. 
Here was first manifested that ardent love of liberty, that he- 
roic resolution and firmness in her defence, which marked 
every period of subsequent life ; and here began to develope 
the treasures of that mind, w^hich Providence had destined to 
conceive the charter of his country's freedom. After serving 
his native state with increasing reputation and influence, un- 



54 

til the memorable period of the Revolution, he was then elect- 
ed a member of the General Congress, and associated with a 
body of men whose sagacity, prudence, integrity and firm- 
ness in circumstances the most trying, aijd dangers the most 
appalling, have never been surpassed. And now the crisis 
had arrived, when the alternative of absolute submission to 
an infatuated and despotic King and Parliament, or a manly 
assertion of rights long disregarded and trampled upon, was 
left to America. The latter, was, after careful and deliber- 
ate discussion, resolved upon, and Richard Henry Lee moved 
"That these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and 
independent states." This motion was seconded by the il- 
lustrious Adams, whose death we mourn this evening, and a 
committee, consisting of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Adams, Mr. Frank- 
lin, Mr. Lee and Mr. Livingston, were appointed to prepare 
a declaration in accordance with the views of the house, 
which had been unanimously expressed. On this occasion, 
the task devolved upon Mr. Jefferson, and from his classic 
pen proceeded that document, which, for perspicuity of style 
and sentiment, for a dignified and energetic recital of kingly 
domination and usurpation, of his country's wrongs, and her 
decided resolution no longer to endure them, and for a clear 
exposition of the principles upon which the revolution was 
founded, has already commanded the admiration of other 
countries besides his own. The beneficial effects of publish- 
ing this declaration at such a time, can hardly be estimated. 
It confirmed the resolute — it imparted courage to the timid 
— it silenced the clamours of the disaffected, and overawed 
the minions of royalty. It gave a most powerful impulse to 
the people throughout the Union, and was generally hailed 
with many demonstrations of joy. Its unanswerable appeals 
to truth and justice, called forth the eloquence of the friends 
of liberty ir/ defence of the principles it avowed, even in the 
very Parliament that had repeatedly refused both to yield us 
our rights and redress our grievajices, while it procured us 
the respect, the sympathies and the best wishes of the lovers 
of freedom and mankind, in every part of the world. It has 



55 

yoused the spirit of liberty in other dimes ; formed the mo- 
del for other nations striving to burst the bonds of political 
tyranny, and caused the throne of despots to tremble. With 
the events which followed this declaration, until the acknow- 
ledgement of our Independence by our humbled and vanquish- 
ed foe, you are famiharly acquainted. During this time, the 
active mind of Mr, Jefferson was vigorously employed in the 
service of his country and his native state. A considerable 
part of two years was occupied in revising, amending and 
digesting the laws of Virginia, in conjunction with those emi- 
nent jurists, Messrs. Wythe and Pendleton. Here his regard 
to human rights was strikingly visible, in his suggesting and 
procuring to be passed, at the very first session of the legis- 
lature as a State Assembly, an act forbidding the further im- 
portation of slaves. Yes, the friend of American liberty was 
the friend too of thee, degraded, oppressed, enslaved, bleeding 
Africa. Let her sable children weep over his urn, for it 
contains a heart that felt for her miseries, and a tongue that 
boldly pleaded for the emancipation of her sons and daughters 
During a part of this time, likewise, his nervous pen was em- 
employed in writing Notes on Virginia ; a work extensively 
circulated at home and reprinted in Europe, and which has 
gained for its author much applause. At the close of our 
eventful struggle for Independence, soon as peace was per- 
manently established, a grateful country appointed him in 
connexion with his deceased associate, and the wise and dis- 
passionate FrankUn, ministers plenipotentiary to the nations 
of Europe, for the purpose of forming treaties of alliance and 
of commerce. In this new and difficult work, his profound 
knowledge of human nature, and his superior skill as a diplo- 
matist, shone forth. During a five years residence in Europe, 
he improved his leisure time by increasing his knowledge of 
the fine arts, and seeking and enjoying the society of the most 
distinguished literati of France. In 1789, he returned to 
his native land ; and ere he had reached the seat of retire- 
ment, where he lately breathed his last, the Father of his 
country, then recently elevated to the Presidency, informed 



56 

)iim by express that he was selected as his Secretary of 
State. This honourable and responsible office he cheerfully 
accepted, and performed its duties in a manner that has se- 
cured the approbation of posterity. It was a time that de* 
manded peculiar wisdom, and peculiar firmness. The mi- 
nisters of two rival, powerful and belligerent nations, werfe 
residents here. Between these, it was necessary to preserve 
the strictest neutrality. This delicate and difficult work Mr, 
Jefferson successfully performed, and his correspondence at 
this critical period discovered more clearly than ever the 
scholar, patriot and statesman. For four years he occupied 
this high station, and in that time many important state pa- 
pers proceeded from his pen. The commerce of the United 
States, and many internal regulations claimed his attention ; 
and in the reports which were written by him on these sub- 
jects, the variety as well as extent of his knowledge was ap- 
parent, and the homage of a nation was given to the acute 
mathematician and philosophpr, as well as statesman. In 
1794, he resigned his office and became a private citizen. 
He had prepared the declaration of his country's Indepen- 
dence ; he had seen that Independence gained, and America 
taking her station among the nations of the earth, blest with 
a constitution framed with consummate wisdom and equity, 
and commencing a career of almost unparalleled prosperity 
and renown. He retired from public life, followed by the 
warm gratitude and profound respect of his countrymen, 
who could not long be contented to leave in obscurity such 
distinguished talents. Soon was he called to fill successive- 
ly the highest offices in the power of his country to bestow. 
For eight years he guided the helm of state amidst many po- 
htical storms, with the same sagacity and firmness which 
had early marked his public life. An entire unanimity of sen- 
timent, on the measures of his administration, was not to be 
expected. In a land where Freedom has made her residence, 
where a spirit of inquiry, and the liberty of expressing any 
sentiment prevails, difference of opinion, even among the 
most wise and good, is to be looked for, and in his own Ian- 



07 

giiage, " error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is 
left free to combat it." Years of experience, since the warmth 
of political controversy abated, has set the seal of wisdom to 
the course he pursued, and given him a high place in the 
respect and affections of a people, whose territory he great- 
ly enlarged, and whose distinguished benefactor he ever was. 
In the quiet retirement, which he sought after his second 
Presidential term had expired, he still pursued with his wont- 
ed ardour and perseverance his country's good, by endea- 
vouring to raise her literary character in the establishment 
of an important university. For this object he steadily la- 
boured amidst the increasing infirmities of age, and with san- 
guine anticipations of success. 

The evening of his life was well nigh clouded with pecu- 
niary embarrassments ; but America was not unmindful of 
the hoary headed statesman who had spent the vigour of 
youth and the prime of manhood in guiding her councils. 
Scarcely had the shouts of welcome to the Nation's guest, 
whose youthful arm had been nerved in defence of her liber- 
ties, died upon the ear, when, by an almost simultaneous im- 
pulse, Columbia's sons, having honoured the warrior with de- 
monstrations of gratitude, veneration and love, which the 
pen of the historian will transmit to admiring posterity, turn- 
ed their eyes to the sage of Monticello. They saw him strug- 
gling alike with the infirmities of fourscore years, and the pres- 
sure of poverty, and felt the debt they owed him. O it was 
a noble triumph of patriotism and liberality of sentiment, 
when the spirit of party sunk beneath the grateful recollec- 
tions of his long and faithful services^ and the citizens of our 
republic, without pohtical distinction, pressed forward with 
their offerings to reheve his aged and anxious heart, to sup- 
ply his wants and to testify that his name was indissolubly 
connected with the dearest privileges of freemen. America 
deeply mourns her loss ; but she mourns under the sweet 
consciousness of having soothed the last days of her early 
and tried friend, and weeps over his remains with undissem- 
Wed sQrrow, respeet and veneration. Her tears flow afresh 



58 

as she beholds stretched by his side, in the same cold em- 
brace, another of her distinguished sons, the friend, the com- 
panion, the fellow statesman of her lamented Jefferson. 
Like him, the venerable Adams was among the first advo- 
cates of freedom; like him, his political career was marked 
with reputation to himself and blessings to his country, and 
like him, he died in her bosom, revered, honored and lament- 
ed. The annals of history contain not so striking a coinci- 
dence, as exists in the life and death of these great men. — 
They were associated in the most distinguished act of their 
lives, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence ; one 
spirit animated their bosoms while advocating in the first 
Congress the most decisive measures in support of Indepen- 
dence. Both were employed, and at the same time, in fram- 
ing laws for the respective States which gave them birth. 
Both were included in the first plenipotentiary commission 
issued by Congress after peace was concluded. Both were 
employed as ministers to the European powers at the same 
time and for the same purpose. Both filled the offices of 
Vice-President and President of the United States. Both 
returned to private life, after faithfully serving their country 
in cordial friendship with each other. Both lived to see her 
unrivalled prosperity, and on the natal day of her Indepen- 
dence, both finished their patriotic course. We bid them a 
last adieu, and turn to the living. 

Officers and Patriots of the Revolution — I need not ask 
your sympathies on this occasion. The names of Adams 
and Jefferson.are associated with scenes indelibly impressed 
upon your hearts. You well remember the emotions that 
sprung up in your bosoms when first the sentiments of that 
declaration which emanated from their minds, fired with the 
love of hberty, fell upon your ear. You caught the flame — 
you were eager for the contest — you shared its toils, its trials 
and its triumphs, and this evening you weep over two of 
your most worthy associates in the cause of freedom. Little 
band, your numbers are fast diminishing. The frosts of 
death are gathering upon your heads. The bending form— 



59 

the palsied arm — the unsteady step — the furrowed face, all 
tell approaching dissolution. The fire of patriotism will 
burn but a little longer. O let it be mingled with the flame 
of piety, and when the destroyer has done his office, your 
emancipated spirits will meet with a welcome reception from 
that band of christian patriots, who, having served with fide- 
lity their country and their God, are reaping the rewards of 
eternal blessedness. 

Respected fellow-citizens — This occasion calls not only 
for sorrow, but for gratitude likewise. At a crisis when the 
dearest interests of America were at stake, Jehovah raised up 
Adams and Jefferson, with others of a like spirit, to give wis- 
dom and decision to our national councils, while he fitted 
for the tented field and the roar of battle the sagacious, un- 
daunted, heroic, persevering Washington. To the wisdom 
and goodness of the Most High are we indebted for the ser- 
vices of that noble band, under whose guidance, and by whose 
arms our Independence was achieved. To him we are in- 
debted for the long continuance of those valuable lives which 
were employed in completing the political edifice they had 
founded, and in strengthening and adorning it. Let us then 
unite with submission to that stroke which has clothed us with 
the badges of mourning, gratitude to the Dispenser of all 
events, that our country was favoured for so many years with 
the presence and the counsels of those venerable men whose 
death we mourn this evening. 

Need I, in conclusion, say that this scene reminds us all 
that we must die. The tears, the wishes and the prayers of 
a family or a nation cannot avert the arrow of death. The 
wisest statesman, the most learned philosopher, the most 
skilful and courageous warrior must submit to his dominion. 
The cold grave must receive us all ; and O how soon. Of 
the fifty-four who, half a century ago, with Adams and Jef- 
ferson affixed their signatures to the declaration of Indepen- 
dence, one only remains. That bright constellation, the light 
of which has shone upon the world for fifty years, is now re- 
duced to a single star, whose beams feebly twinkle on the 



(60 

korizon, and soon will be seen no more. Who in this assera^ 
biy will celebrate the Centurial Jubilee? Not one in ffty ! 
Our life, my hearers, is but a vapour, which appeareth for 
a little time, and then vanisheth away. Man cometh forth 
as a flower, and is cut down^ He fleeth also as a shadow, 
and continueth not, for thou O Lord, turnest man to destruc- 
tion, and sayest. Return ye children of men. The days of our 
years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of 
strength they he fourscore years, yet is their strength labour 
and sorrow, for it is soon cut off" and we fly away. So teach 
us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto 
wisdom^ 



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